Ten-man Marumo Gallants became the first team to advance to the Nedbank Cup round of 16 after a late 1-0 win over Pretoria Callies on Friday night.
Nedbank Cup
Result: Pretoria Callies 0-1 Marumo Gallants
Date: 24 January 2025
Venue: Lucas Moripe Stadium
Siyabulela Shai and Thapelo Mokobodi were recalled to Gallants' line-up following the draw at Chippa United, while the host unchanged off their win over Kruger United.
Marumo's showed a better intent than the host in the opening stages with a succession of box entries but lacked the necessary cutting edge.
The profligacy didn't deter matters as livewire Daniel Msendami come in on the blind side and forced Callies goalkeeper King Ndlovu to parry away.
Shai got a clear sight on the half-hour mark when he made a sharp turn to get in space on the edge of the box and draw Ndlovu to a save.
Callies were encouraged in the closing minutes before halftime through an overload in the half-spaces, but didn't cause Bahlabane Ba Ntwa any trouble of note.
Two minutes after the break, Shai's evening came to an early after he picked up his second yellow card and was sent off.
Callies saw more forward ventures after the break and could've gone in front from a cutback in the area to Tshepo Chaine, but he didn't make it count.
Coach Dan Malesela made a double change as Mokobodi made way for Monde Mphambaniso in the closing quarter while Kamohelo Mahlatsi was replaced by Thapelo Dhludhlu.
With the game heading for extra-time, Mphambaniso came through albeit in additional time when he latched on a rebound from Ndlovu following a thumping shot and tucked in easily to send Gallants to the round of 16.
Here's how they line up:
Pretoria Callies: Ndlovu, Damons, Mvundela, Motloung, Ntiya-Ntiya, Mogaswa, Khumalo, Moremi, Malepe, Mandi, Chaine
Subs: Khoza, Sebone, Smith, Baloyi, Mahome, Mathebula, Mgwaba, Nyandeni, De Sousa
Marumo Gallants: Arubi, Chabatsane, Sikhosana, Mathiane, Khumalo, Manaka, Sithole, Msendami, Mahlatsi, Mokobodi, Shai
Subs: K. Mlambo, Ncube, Mabotja, Ntatheni, Nange, Dhludlu, X.Mlambo, Mphambaniso, Wagaba
